Filter unit for air purification device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing air cleaning devices face inefficiencies in particle separation due to homogeneous electrical fields, requiring high ionization currents or insufficient separation, especially under non-homogeneous flow conditions.

Innovation Solution

The filter unit adapts the geometry of the ionization unit to match flow conditions by non-equidistantly distributing ionization components, creating regions with higher electric field strength for efficient charging and separation, reducing the need for high ionization currents and minimizing ozone formation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a homogeneous electric field is generated using conventional electrostatic separation devices, then the device structure is simple, but particle separation efficiency is insufficient unless high ionization current is applied

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparticle separation efficiencyVSAvoidionization current
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating non-uniform spacing between ionization components and grounded electrodes, resulting in a non-homogeneous electric field with varying field strength in different regions. This allows the electric field to be adapted to local flow conditions, achieving efficient particle charging and separation without requiring uniformly high ionization current throughout the entire device

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the geometric parameters of the electric field configuration by arranging ionization components at non-equidistant positions. This parameter change transforms the homogeneous electric field into a non-homogeneous one, enabling the field strength to vary spatially and match the non-uniform flow conditions, thereby improving separation efficiency while reducing overall energy consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If high ionization current is applied to ensure sufficient particle separation in homogeneous electric field, then particle separation is improved, but ozone formation increases and energy consumption rises

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparticle separation efficiencyVSAvoidozone formation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By creating regions of different electric field strength through non-equidistant component arrangement, the patent concentrates ionization activity only where needed to match local flow conditions. This prevents excessive ionization in low-flow regions, thereby reducing unnecessary ozone generation while maintaining adequate particle separation efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potentially harmful effect of homogeneous high-intensity ionization (which causes excessive ozone) into a beneficial non-uniform field distribution. The electric field strength is optimized locally, achieving effective particle charging only where flow conditions require it, thus transforming a harmful side effect into a controlled and beneficial process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Adaptability or versatility

If ionization components are arranged equidistantly, then device design is simple, but flow conditions cannot be adequately addressed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptation to flow conditionsVSAvoidionization component arrangement
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements local quality by arranging ionization components with non-equidistant spacing to create electric field regions that adapt to varying flow conditions. Different regions of the device have optimized field strengths matching local airflow characteristics, improving adaptability while maintaining a relatively straightforward device structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies asymmetry by deliberately using non-uniform spacing between ionization components and grounded electrodes. This asymmetric arrangement breaks the symmetry of conventional equidistant designs, enabling the electric field to adapt to the asymmetric nature of real-world flow conditions while adding minimal complexity to the overall device

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach ensures efficient charging and reliable separation of particles, even under non-homogeneous flow conditions, with reduced ionization current and ozone formation.

Implementation Method 1

This type of separation device utilizes a corona discharge at the wire-shaped ionization electrode (spray wire). The corona forms between the spray wire and the grounded, plate-shaped electrodes.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCorona discharge: Corona Discharge

Implementation Method 2

The contaminants present in the airflow, also known as particles, are charged as they pass through the volume located between the grounded electrodes, in which the ionization electrode is positioned

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIonization: Ionisation

Implementation Method 3

The contaminants present in the airflow, also known as particles, are charged as they pass through the volume located between the grounded electrodes, in which the ionization electrode is positioned, and are subsequently deposited in the separation unit of the electrostatic precipitator.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic deposition: Electrostatic Deposition

Data Source

PatentEP3517208B1Filter unit for air purification device
Publication Date: 2022.03.23 BSH HAUSGERATE GMBH
  • EP3517208B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3517208B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3517208B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

The invention relates to a filter unit for an air purification device (1), comprising an ionization unit (22) and a separation unit (21) which is connected downstream of the ionization unit (22) in the direction of flow, wherein the ionization unit (22) has an air inlet opening (200) and at least two ionization components (220, 221, 222), of which at least one is an elongated ionization element (220) and at least one is a grounded electrode (221, 222). The filter unit (2) is characterized in that the ionization components (220, 221, 222) are arranged non-equidistantly in a plane direction (x, z) of the air inlet opening (200). Furthermore, an air purification device (1) with such a filter unit (2) is described.